Hantuchova revival continues in Dubai
Daniela Hantuchova, the former world number five whose career had been
threatened by weight problems, continued her encouraging revival by reaching
the last eight of the Dubai Open with a straight sets win over Elena
Likhovtseva.
Hantuchova's 7-5, 6-4 second round success over the top 20 Russian earned her
a third quarter-final of 2005, already an improvement on 2004 during which she
only managed two all year.
"It was really difficult out there and I just tried to make sure I put as many
balls as possible in court, and not go for too many crazy shots or go for the
lines" said 22nd-ranked Hantuchova who plunged out of the top 50 last year.
"I also find I can handle difficult situations better. It's been one of the
most important things for me that I have gained experience and know better what
to do at crucial times."
The 21-year-old Slovakian also conquered a blustery win, which made ball
control difficult, and her own emotions, which during the nadir of her slump,
had been compounding her problems.
Now when a tense situation developed, Hantuchova would sometimes walk to the
rear of the court and stare at the back-stop, a form of of meditation which
appeared to serve her well.
It certainly seemed to help during the game in which she broke serve at 2-1 and
also when she was serving at set point in the first set.
Hantuchova was often the more secure when they played the longer rallies, but
still had to work hard against a determined opponent.
Likhovtseva, 29, broke back when Hantuchova first served for the first set, and
broke back for a second time to 3-3 in the second set, at which stage a nervy
three-setter seemed a real possibility.
But the Russian was often under pressure on her second serve from Hantuchova's
fluent returning, which eventually resulted in a double fault on game point at
4-4.
The Slovakian immediately served out for the match, finishing with a superb
forehand cross-court, forehand down the line combination for her second success
over the Russian in as many meetings.
Hantuchova's success not only increased her chances of getting back into the
top 20 for the first time in 14 months, but earned her a possible quarter-final
with Serena Williams, the former winner of all four Grand Slam titles.
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